Medical expert of the article
New publications
Follicle-stimulating hormone in the blood
Last reviewed: 05.07.2025
All iLive content is medically reviewed or fact checked to ensure as much factual accuracy as possible.
We have strict sourcing guidelines and only link to reputable media sites, academic research institutions and, whenever possible, medically peer reviewed studies. Note that the numbers in parentheses ([1], [2], etc.) are clickable links to these studies.
If you feel that any of our content is inaccurate, out-of-date, or otherwise questionable, please select it and press Ctrl + Enter.
Follicle-stimulating hormone is a peptide hormone secreted by the anterior pituitary gland. In women, follicle-stimulating hormone controls the growth of follicles until they mature and are ready for ovulation. The synergistic interaction of follicle-stimulating hormone and LH stimulates the synthesisof estradiol by granulosa cells. In men, follicle-stimulating hormone controls the growth and function of the seminiferous tubules, especially spermatogenesis.
At the beginning of the cycle, the level of follicle-stimulating hormone is higher than in the final stages of the menstrual cycle. The peak concentration of the hormone is observed in the middle of the cycle, simultaneously with the ovulatory peak of LH.
After ovulation, the level of follicle-stimulating hormone drops and again reaches the values observed in the early stages of the follicular phase by the end of the cycle.
Reference values (norm) of follicle-stimulating hormone concentration in blood serum
Age |
FSH, IU/L |
Children under 11 years old |
0.3-6.7 |
Women: |
|
Follicular phase |
1.37-10 |
Ovulation phase |
6.17-17.2 |
Luteal phase |
1.09-9.2 |
Menopause period |
19.3-100.6 |
Men |
1.42-15.4 |
[ Causes of increase and decrease of follicle-stimulating hormone
Diseases and conditions in which the concentration of follicle-stimulating hormone in the blood serum changes
Follicle stimulating hormone is elevated |
Follicle stimulating hormone is decreased |
Seminoma Menopause caused by ovarian dysfunction Primary gonadal hypofunction Castration Ectopic tumors Early phase of pituitary hyperfunction Use of clomiphene, levodopa |
Primary pituitary hypofunction Use of estrogens, progesterone, phenothiazine |